Irish Soda Farls

"Soda bread dough is flattened into a round circle, and divided into farls meaning 4 parts. It is then cooked on a dry griddle or pan. Traditionally this was the quickest way to make soda bread for unexpected guests who drop by for a bit of craic (good fun). It's best eaten fresh with butter and jam but is also delicious fried as part of an Ulster breakfast."

Most Helpful Positive Review

Jul 13, 2008

My mother made Irish soda farls all her life and she was a wonderful baker, but her recipe called for approx. 2 tbls. butter cut in (like a piecrust). It gives the bread a softer texture. Wonderful hot with fresh butter and jam.

Most Helpful Critical Review

Jun 05, 2011

I'm pretty sure I just didn't do this right, but nothing about my farls was good. They were tough, bland, and felt globby in my mouth. I think I'll ask real Irish to make these in the future, as I just cannot.

My Irish husband has been wanting to figure out how to make soda farls since he moved to the US 8 years ago. Had I known they were so easy, I would have done it ages ago! I added 1 teaspoon of salt into recipe. His smile said it all. He did add that they were EXACTLY like home.

We make this often and serve with homemade guava jelly. Wonderful! I put just a pinch of salt in the mixture, as the recipe doesn't specify. Also, go easy with sprinkling flour on the griddle. Warm and wonderful-- and so easy!

I like that this is so easy, even for someone who is afraid to work with dough, and takes very little time to make. Also, you don't have to mess around with the oven. This recipe halves nicely. The first time, I used vanilla yogurt instead of buttermilk and added a few teaspoons of sugar to make sweet farls. I sliced the farl in half horizontally while it was hot and spread butter and raspberry jam inside. The second time, I followed the recipe exactly. (Since the recipe doesn't specify how much salt to use, I used 1/8 tsp salt for a half recipe - I think next time I will use more.) It made the kitchen smell good, and kind of like pancakes. I will definitely make these again.

I want to serve farls at our StP's meal next week, so I thought I'd give these a shot. They really are excellent! Because mine were quite thick and didn't completely cook all the way through, I just split them, and returned them to the skillet cut-side down. Wonderful with butter and seedless raspberry jelly! Thanks!

This was so simple and delicious - and I barely mussed up the kitchen! I did not knead the dough (kneading is a bit scary and I am not very good at it), so instead I just mixed a bit longer in the mixing bowl before transferring directly to my electric griddle pan (set at 300 F). I only used a pinch of salt - will add more next time. It is great served with salted butter and honey, or with blueberry preserves.

Made them(it?) this morning as part of a St Paddy's Day Ulster Fry (Mr P claims Irish descent, although frankly, I think Martian is probably more likely). Incredibly quick and simple and very, very delicious. Added a sprinkle of organic garlic salt, but otherwise made exactly as per recipe. Now I know how easy this is, I can see myself making it (them?) regularly. Many thanks.

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

**Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-)Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.